July 18, 2018
Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
Jonah 1:15-16
In the message on Sunday, Rob talked about how Jonah ran away from God and His direction several times and yet God continued to pursue him. First, God sent the boat captain to reach Jonah. Then He sent the sailors who prayed for him. Next, there was a storm and, last but not least, He sent a fish.
I find great comfort in the fact that God didn't give up on Jonah. I'd like to think that I'm a bit smarter than Jonah and that hopefully I'd take a clue a bit faster, but when I think back on my life, I find lots of ways I can relate to him. I stopped attending church in college. I only started back when my husband Marc and I got engaged and the pastor who married us (but barely knew us) spoke so much truth into our lives on our wedding day that even our non-churched friends and family took notice. God pursued me again when we found an apartment in Florida with a church literally in our backyard. I mean, not only could we walk to it, but the associate pastor approached us the first time we attended and asked us to get involved and we did.
You'd think after those two great experiences of being lovingly sought after by God, I would've realized He was watching over me and guiding me to my best self. But no, when we found a house in Fayetteville, NC that we wanted to buy, I felt a tug and heard God whispering that this was not our home. I ignored His voice and we put an offer on the house. The seller's wife wanted to accept the offer but the seller wasn't sure he really wanted to move at the price we offered. A couple days later, the seller went into the hospital for a routine outpatient surgery and ended up in a coma. The wife wanted to sell us the house with her husband in a coma and, only then, did we hear God's voice loud and clear telling us that this was not our home. Because we didn't get that house, we moved to a different community and found a church that immediately poured into us. We made friends there we still keep in touch with more than 15 years later.
I'm not so different than Jonah. I'd like to think that all these clues were all I needed to follow God and stop questioning whether He has my best interest at heart in all times and all places. I know He does, and yet I waver from always putting my trust in Him for the big and little things of life. Thankfully, He continues to watch over me and still keeps sending me a fish.
Love and Peace,
Kerry
Messages from the Mediterranean
Some of the most powerful messages of the Bible are found in little books known as “The Minor Prophets.” These ancient prophets of God were each given unique tasks. The closer you read their stories, the more you see how similar the tasks seem – to hear clearly what God was saying and to declare His words to the people around them. Two common threads run through the stories – the importance of actively responding to God and how common it was for people to miss God’s messages. In this series we'll meet high impact people and learn major truth from these small and often forgotten books of the Bible. There is always the promise of something more—another adventure, another battle, a moment to demonstrate your loyalty to your heavenly captain. We'll discover how to recognize and respond to His messages, even in the modern-day storms we face. Join us for adventurous and insightful Sundays each week in July and August.
*THIS SATURDAY*
Men's BBQ – July 21
Restoration Men, please join us for food, fun and yard games at the Men's BBQ at Don Braaten's house on Saturday, July 21 from 4-8pm. Main dish will be provided. Invite a friend and bring a side dish to share. See you there!
*THIS SUNDAY*
Communion
As part of our worship this Sunday, we will have communion near the beginning of the service and children will be sent to their classes afterward. Communion is a sacred practice in the Christian church instituted by Jesus Christ. The bread and cup represent and remind us of Jesus’ body and blood freely being offered to restore us with God. Please note that we always use juice instead of wine and have gluten free bread available so that all members of our community can participate in communion. If you questions about kids and communion, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer, Restoration Kids Director.
*NEW*
VBS Highlights
We are excited to share that we had 79 kids attend Vacation Bible School the last week of June. Of those 79 kids, 51 of them don't attend Restoration. The kids also raised $507.52 that will help us buy shoes and backpacks for Westview students to have a great start to the school year. Thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to love and care for these kids. Thanks to all who prayed for, provided snacks and supplies, and support Restoration financially so that we can provide these great opportunities for our kids to learn more about Jesus.
*NEW*
Shoes and Backpacks for Westview
Although the VBS kids and families collected over $500 for shoes and backpacks, we don't want to stop there and let the kids to have all the fun! Please join us at the July 29th service as we continue to collect cash for shoes and backpacks for the kids at Westview. When Restoration was started, our goal was to be a church that made a difference in the community around us. This is a huge way we can continue to love the families in our own backyard. Please bring a cash or check to help us achieve the goal of MATCHING the dollar amount the VBS kids collected. If we meet our matching goal, we'll celebrate with ice cream after the service. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Outdoor Worship & Baptism Service – August 26
We’ll have our annual outdoor worship service at Crystal Beach Park in Burnsville on Sunday, August 26 at 10am. We'll worship together, celebrate believer baptisms at the lake and then spend time in community over a picnic lunch. This is a great opportunity to invite someone to church in a beautiful setting outside in God's creation. Grilled meat, beverages, chips, condiments and dinnerware will be provided. Last names A-L, please bring a DESSERT to share; M-Z please bring a SIDE or SALAD to share. We recommend bringing lawn chairs for your comfort. Bring some games to play too! Note there will not be Restoration Kids that Sunday so kids can enjoy worship with their families. Questions? Please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org
Believer Baptism
Did you know Believer Baptism is a picture of how Jesus has changed your life and a response to God’s redeeming love for us? If God has been working in your life, have you considered being baptized? We will do baptisms at our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 26. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org.
Small Groups
Although most of our small groups take a break over the summer, the Men’s Group still meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am at the Ministry Center and is open for men to join at anytime. There are also other opportunities for men, women and families to connect throughout the summer. For more information about these opportunities or if you’re interested in joining or starting a small group this fall, Kara would love to talk to you! Contact KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org
Pray or Receive Prayer
Are you gifted at prayer or do you have a prayer request that you’d like to share with our prayer team? We believe in the power of prayer and know that God is listening. We would love to pray for you. If you’re interested in joining the prayer team or have any prayer requests, send them to our prayer team at prayer@restorationcov.org
RESTORATION KIDS
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
Play & Pray
Looking to connect with other parents and kids this summer? Parents, bring your kids, your friends, and your friends' kids to Apple Grove Park (by the fire station at CR42 and Hayes) at 9am. The kids enjoy themselves at the park while the grown-ups talk about the things going on in their lives and share prayer requests. Play and Pray mornings are an easy way to be in community with each other during the summer months. Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
DATES: Jul 25 | Aug 8, 22
What We're Learning in July
Preschool:
Have you ever used a compass to show you which way to go? They’re great for helping you on a hike, but not as great when we’re trying to figure out which way to go in life. We need the Bible for that. This month, we’re going to start our ride through the Bikes and Trikes theme as we teach our preschoolers that the Bible tells us which way to go. How wonderful would it be if our preschoolers grew up using the Bible as their compass as they ride through life! So, get geared up to hop on your bike or trike so you can spend the next two months with your preschoolers learning that the Bible tells me which way to go.
“SHOW ME THE RIGHT PATH, O LORD; POINT OUT THE ROAD FOR ME TO FOLLOW.” Psalm 25:4, NLT
Elementary:
God is stronger than anyone and He can do things that would be impossible for you or me. He has proved this throughout history, but nowhere is this more evident than in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Because of what Jesus has done, we can have confidence. And when you put your faith in Jesus, you can live fully alive.
“I REMAIN CONFIDENT OF THIS: I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.” Psalm 27:13, NIV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
MUUUCE 2018
Students entering grades 6-9, join us for MUUUCE (Most Unbelievable Ultimate Urban Camping Experience) on August 2-4. This is an unforgettable, spiritual, high-energy three days of chaos, Valleyfair, live worship, food and fun with hundreds of middle school students and leaders from all over the Northwest Conference. Invite your friends to this event! We also welcome adults willing to help lead. Cost is $130/person. Registration forms and payments are due Sunday, July 15. Forms can be downloaded at restorationcov.org/students or picked up at the information table on Sundays. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
Wild Mountain – August 13
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day at Wild Mountain on Monday, August 13 from 10am-6pm. Enjoy some crazy fun at their waterpark, alpine slides and go-karts. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 10:00am for departure via bus. We plan to return at 6:00pm. Cost is $40 for park ticket, bus transportation, and a supplied lunch; bring extra money if you want additional snacks while there. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions. Please let Derek know ASAP if you are interested in coming!
Summer Middle School Group
Students going into grades 6-9 this Fall begin Sunday mornings in the worship service then they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
DATES: Aug 5, 19
Students Summer Nights
Students going into grades 6-12 this Fall, join us Wednesday nights this Summer from 6:30-8:30pm for exciting activities, talking about God, tasty snacks, and overall good times together. We will meet at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W., Apple Valley) and plan on outdoor activities. If the weather is poor, we will head inside. Invite your friends! Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
DATES: Jul 25 | Aug 8, 22
Restoration Students Facebook Page
Did you know we have a Restoration Students Facebook page? Check it out and "Like" the page!
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
